# XLIX explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip returns to Satis House in response to Miss Havisham's note. He finds her in a state of deep remorse and loneliness. She confesses her guilt for manipulating Estella and asks for Pip's forgiveness. Pip learns that Estella was brought to Miss Havisham by Mr. Jaggers as an orphan, and he suspects that Molly is Estella's mother. After their conversation, Pip leaves but returns to check on Miss Havisham, only to find her engulfed in flames. He rescues her, but she is severely burned.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Redemption

Miss Havisham's confession and plea for forgiveness dominate the chapter, as she acknowledges her manipulation of Estella and seeks Pip's absolution.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The revelation of Estella's origins and Miss Havisham's admission of her own deceit underscore the theme of hidden truths and false appearances.

### Family and Belonging

Estella's orphan status and adoption by Miss Havisham raise questions about family, belonging, and the consequences of unnatural upbringing.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Returns to Satis House, confronts Miss Havisham about Estella's past, and rescues her from a fire.

### Miss Havisham

Shows deep remorse for her treatment of Pip and Estella, reveals Estella's adoption, and is severely burned in a fire.

### Estella

Mentioned as having left Satis House and married; her origins are discussed.

### Jaggers

Mentioned as the one who brought Estella to Miss Havisham and gave Pip her note.

### Herbert Pocket

Mentioned in the context of Pip's efforts to secure his partnership.

## Key lines

> I stole her heart away, and put ice in its place.

I took away her natural capacity for love and replaced it with coldness.

_Miss Havisham confesses to emotionally corrupting Estella._

> What have I done! What have I done!

She repeatedly cried out in despair over her actions.

_Miss Havisham's anguished refrain highlights her guilt and remorse._

> I saw a great flaming light spring up. In the same moment I saw her running at me, shrieking, with a whirl of fire blazing all about her.

Pip saw a sudden burst of flame and Miss Havisham running toward him, engulfed in fire.

_The dramatic moment of Miss Havisham's accidental immolation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/xlix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters